• The Sprinter is finally breaking into the North American
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market where it will be built, distributed and hedged by truck giant Freightliner.
Mercedes-Benz has already pushed into the South American market; the van is due to hit the roads in the US and Canada by the end of 2001.
Freightliner, owned by DaimlerChrysler, is investing $11.4m (£.7.6m) in its Gaffney plant in South Carolina and building a dedicated 54,000m2 Sprinter extension.
The factory is scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2001 with assembly lines starting up shortly after.
Freightliner boss Jim Hebe says the inclusion of smaller vehicles within its range was driven by rapid growth in US e-commerce and home delivery sectors. The addition of the Sprinter to Freightliners stable will mean it is the only company offering the full range of commercial vehicles in North America.
Federal Express began operational trials with BO Sprinters in America some time ago, laying the ground for the Sprinter's invasion of the States.